MCSO Busts Catalytic Converter Theft Suspect

Montgomery County Police Reporter, By Ginger Hueso, October 9, 2026

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – A man who was free on parole faces new charges, after Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies allegedly found eight catalytic converters inside his vehicle during a traffic stop following a reported theft in south Montgomery County. On Oct. 5, deputies with MCSO South Patrol Command responded to a suspicious person call in the 25100 block of Panther Bend Ct. after a caller reported a person removing an item from beneath a vehicle before leaving the area. Deputies arrived and found the vehicle’s catalytic converter missing.

About an hour later, deputies responding to an unrelated call spotted a vehicle matching the suspect’s description and traveling away from the area of the theft. The deputies notified dispatch the vehicle was speeding toward I-45, prompting other deputies in the area to locate the vehicle and initiate a traffic stop. Deputies identified the suspect as Jon Eric Wallace and detained him. During a search of the vehicle’s trunk, deputies discovered eight catalytic converters, all reportedly from Toyota vehicles. They also found a Hackzall reciprocating saw and saw blades inside the vehicle.

MCSO says Wallace has an extensive criminal history and was still on parole from an unrelated criminal conviction.

Deputies arrested Wallace for Unauthorized Possession of catalytic converters and booked him into custody. Authorities set his bond at $25,000.

Wallace is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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